Siem Reap, Cambodia
February 12–27, 2010
If you are looking at this page you are already thinking of “something different.” Are you adventurous, open to new experiences and up for a challenge? Ready to work and get dirty as part of a fun, flexible, diverse team? We plan to build in a rural community in the Siem Reap area and stay in a community center among the people with whom we will be building. Come, join the team, meet new people, learn a different culture and make a difference.
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Habitat homeowner Thach Pheurk, 52, says, "We are happy now that we have this house. We feel more secure with our lives."
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About Cambodia
Cambodia is located in southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The mighty Mekong River dominates the country’s fertile landscape, and the Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the most treasured and visited sites in the entire region.
Ninety percent of Cambodia's population is ethnically Cambodian and Theravada Buddhism is the religion of about 95 percent of the people. Khmer is the official language, though French is still spoken in urban areas and English is increasingly popular as a second language. The climate in Cambodia is tropical.
This Global Village team will be volunteering in Siem Reap, in northwest Cambodia. The city’s historic core features both French and Chinese architecture and is the fastest-growing city in Cambodia. Siem Reap is also the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the ancient Khmer dynasty’s capital that includes the Angkor Wat temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
About Habitat for Humanity Cambodia
HFH Cambodia aims to reduce poverty by empowering communities to improve their access to affordable and basic services and better living conditions. Habitat has already started a program of building new homes and rehabilitating existing homes in Cambodia.
Still, housing problems are widespread. In Cambodia, rural households account for nearly 90 percent of the country's poor, with 85 percent of the population living in rural areas. In Siem Reap, thousands of rural families who have moved to the city for job opportunities live in substandard housing.
Types of construction for volunteers
Cambodian Habitat houses are usually 31.5 square meters in size. The walls are made from fired brick with a reinforced concrete post. The layout consists of a living room, bedroom, kitchen and toilet.
Work on a Global Village trip may involve laying bricks and mixing mortar, digging foundations, pouring cement or plastering the walls. It is a fun and extremely rewarding way to contribute to Cambodian society.
Standard itinerary
Day 1(typically Saturday): Depart for Cambodia.
Day 2 (Sunday): Arrive in Siem Reap; free time; overnight in hotel.
Day 3 (Monday): Travel to host project site; welcome and orientation with local staff; free time.
Days 4–7 (typical workdays, Tuesday–Friday): Breakfast at accommodations or local restaurant; work from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; dinner at local restaurant; time for team activities.
Days 8–9 (Saturday and Sunday): Free days for activities in local community.
Days 10–13 (Typical workdays, Monday–Thursday): Breakfast at accommodations or local restaurant; work from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; dinner at local restaurant; time for team activities.
Day 14 (Friday): Free time in Siem Reap; final team dinner.
Day 15 (Saturday): Departure day.
Note: Cultural experiences during the trip may include market tours, museum visits and historical sites, as well as other outdoor opportunities. The final build day will also feature a farewell ceremony with partner family members.
Accommodations
Global Village teams to Cambodia can expect to stay in a local hotel with team members sharing rooms and bathrooms. Breakfast and dinner are usually eaten at the hotel or at a local restaurant, and lunch is usually provided by the affiliate and taken on the work site.
Trip cost
$1,750
Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant air fare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities and team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated air fare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant air fare, R&R activities or visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).
Team leader
Lynn first participated in a Habitat for Humanity team in 2001 and fell in love with the program. Since 2002, she has led Global Village teams to Zambia, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique, Slidell, Louisiana and Key West, Florida. Lynn enjoys bringing teams to rural areas and staying in the community where the homeowners live. This year, Lynn is excited about traveling to Cambodia and experiencing a new culture.
For more information about this GV trip, contact Lynn by e-mail as wiselynn@gwi.net.